Potential Application of Lean Management Tools within the Green Project Management Framework: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Background and objective: Sustainability requirements increasingly affect the way projects are planned and delivered. Green Project Management (GPM) extends classical project management by incorporating environmental and social considerations. The objective of this study is to assess whether selected Lean Management (LM) tools can be applied within the GPM framework.
Study design: The study is based on a systematic literature review conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Publications indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2000 to 2022 were analysed. Following the screening and eligibility assessment, 21 peer-reviewed studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The analysis focused on identifying Lean Management tools and examining their conceptual consistency with GPM elements.
Results: The review shows that tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen routines, pull-based planning, Poka-Yoke and Jidoka are conceptually compatible with selected aspects of GPM, particularly those related to waste reduction and process transparency. In contrast, tools designed for high-volume manufacturing, including Heijunka, Andon and SMED, show limited applicability in project-based environments without significant adaptation.
Practical implications: Selected Lean tools may support sustainability-oriented project practices, provided that their application is adapted to project conditions.
Conclusion and summary: Lean Management tools can complement Green Project Management in a selective and context-dependent manner. Further empirical research is required to validate these relationships in practice.